Wheatsheaf Inn riverside pub Henwick Road is city's jewel

The Wheatsheaf Inn in Henwick Road in St John's in Worcester is impressive enough from the front where it sits on a busy main road. But it is from the side facing the meandering waters of the River Severn that the visitor can first begin to appreciate this beautiful pub's true quality.

The dog friendly pub itself is a cosy, intimate affair with roots stretching back to 1756 but the inn's secrets only unfurl as you venture deeper inside and a spectacular view opens up before you, presenting a breathtaking, unforgettable vista.

From high up on the outdoor terrace, customers can look down upon the river where swans and narrowboats glide by or listen to the thunder of hooves from the Racecourse.

In the distance you can see the majestic spires of the city from the Glover's Needle to the great tower of Worcester Cathedral, peeking out above the crown of trees.

VIEW: Manager Kieran Corcoran on the riverside terrace of The Wheatsheaf Inn in Henwick Road with the river, Worcester Cathedral and the Glover's Needle visible behind him (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The thick tangle of vegetation below this free house is something of a haven to wildlife - Muntjac deer have been spotted leaping below. Elevated as it is, the Wheatsheaf is not at risk of flooding in the way some other riverside pubs are and it would take a deluge of Biblical proportions to reach the proverbial gunwales. 

The pub is owned by Tony Gibbon but he has been happy to leave his two captains at the helm - managers Kieran Corcoran, 23, and 31-year-old Mike Bozward - who pride themselves on keeping everything shipshape. 

HISTORIC: The Wheatsheaf Inn, Henwick Road, Worcester comes alive once you head deeper inside and it reveals its trump card, commanding views of the River Severn (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mr Corcoran said: "The pub has a stunning view of the river and the Cathedral. In the summer, that is one of the reasons people come and enjoy this terrace. It's so stunning on really hot days in the morning and early evening. It's close to nature. I would say it commands one of the best views in Worcester."

The pub can also be accessed from the riverside path - there are 59 steps to the top and, when the Kepax Bridge opens, the hope is that people from the other side of the river can sample the delights of the Wheatsheaf. 

CUTE: The Wheatsheaf Inn would not be the same without its people-watching dog, Dottie (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mr Corcoran added: "Kepax Bridge will be an interesting opportunity to invite people from the other side of the river over to this little pub so they can feel closer to this community as well. The bridge is going to be a great thing for the whole of Worcester.  We're really looking forward to it as a business. It gives us a a chance to show ourselves from the riverside as well as the roadside."

The pub has been refurbished and enhanced over the last six years or so. The walls serve as something of an exhibition space, showcasing the work of local artists in various genres.

WOW: The roof terrace of The Wheatsheaf Inn in Henwick Road in Worcester was the perfect spot to watch hot air balloons flying high (Image: Supplied by Kieran Corcoran)

However, it is not only artists who have a stage here but musicians too with jam sessions on Tuesdays from 7.30pm. The Wheatsheaf has had visits from members of up and coming Indie bands including Peace and The Clause while posters on the wall celebrate Worcester's musical heritage including the time The Beatles played at the Gaumont. Paul Cook, the former drummer for the Sex Pistols, has even popped in.

BEAUTIFUL: The roof terrace of The Wheatsheaf Inn in St John's in Worcester on a warm summer's day when it becomes a real asset (Image: Supplied by Kieran Corcoran)

The pub has something rare for the intellectuals too - two pub quizzes which are often fully booked, the Sunday one becoming so popular that they introduced another on Wednesday. Both start at 7.30pm with 13 teams taking part and the chance to win prizes including a £50 jackpot bar tab.

COSY: The Wheatsheaf has plenty of nooks to tuck yourself into including this one outside with cushions and blankets put out for the comfort of customers (Image: Kieran Corcoran)

One the the things the pub staff pride themselves on is the mixture of their clientele, what used to be called the 'town and gown' ethos. University of Worcester students and locals alike are welcome here and socialise together.

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"We try to look after our local community when they're in here. Students are treated with exactly the same respect and welcome as everyone else gets and they integrate with the locals really well," he said.

Popular drinks include Wye Valley Brewery's HPA and Butty Bach but managers are keen to introduce new beers where they can. They brought in a kilderkin barrel (an extra large barrel) of Bathams Best Bitter and that sold out in two days.

They pride themselves on pouring a good pint of Guinness but other popular choices include Salopian's Darwin's Origin and Enville Brewery beers. Gins, rums and vodkas are remain strong choices. Though the pub does not serve food in terms of meals, a large range of bar snacks are provided.